Travel That is Uniquely Yours
Japan Transportation Guide
A simple, traveler-friendly guide for navigating Japan with Suica, Google Maps, trains, stations, and city transportation.
Japan’s transportation system is one of the safest, cleanest, and most efficient in the world. While it may seem intimidating at first, most travelers find it very easy to navigate after their first day.
The two most important tools you will need are:
- Suica (digital transit card)
- Google Maps
Together, these will handle almost all of your transportation needs throughout your trip.
Suica is a rechargeable transit card that works on trains, subways, buses, and even many convenience stores throughout Japan.
- Open Apple Wallet
- Tap the “+” button
- Select “Transit Card”
- Choose “Suica”
- Add an initial balance (¥5,000–¥10,000 recommended)
- Complete setup using Apple Pay
Your Suica card will now appear in Apple Wallet.
- Light transit use: ¥5,000
- Most travelers: ¥10,000
- Heavy transit use: ¥15,000
Balances can be reloaded at any time through Apple Wallet.
Using Suica is simple:
- Hold your iPhone near the ticket gate reader
- Wait for the confirmation sound
- Walk through
- Tap your iPhone again at the exit gate
- The correct fare will automatically be deducted
No tickets need to be purchased for normal train, subway, or bus rides.
Suica can be used for:
- Tokyo Metro
- JR Local Trains
- Kyoto Transit
- Osaka Transit
- Most City Buses
- Many Convenience Stores
- Some Vending Machines
- Some Lockers
You will use Suica throughout Tokyo, Kyoto, and many other cities.
Google Maps is the best navigation tool in Japan.
- Open Google Maps
- Enter your destination
- Select the train icon
- Exact train line
- Departure time
- Platform number
- Transfer instructions
- Travel time
- Fare estimate
Follow the directions exactly as shown.
Most stations have signs in both Japanese and English.
- Follow the line color shown in Google Maps
- Follow platform numbers carefully
- Look for English signs
- Allow extra time in large stations
Major stations such as Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station, and Kyoto Station can be very large.
If unsure, station staff are generally very helpful.
The Shinkansen is Japan’s high-speed rail system.
Arrive at the station approximately 20–30 minutes before departure.
This allows time to:
- Locate the correct platform
- Purchase snacks and drinks
- Find your seat comfortably
Your ticket will show:
- Train name
- Departure time
- Car number
- Seat number
Electronic tickets may also provide a QR code.
Some Shinkansen tickets can be linked directly to a Suica card.
- Simply tap your Suica at the Shinkansen gates
- No paper ticket required
- No QR code scanning required
If your reservation was booked through a third-party service, this option may not always be available.
Always keep your ticket information or QR code available as a backup.
One of Japan’s great travel traditions is purchasing an “ekiben” (train bento box) before boarding.
- Bento boxes
- Snacks
- Drinks
- Matcha treats
Kyoto Station and Tokyo Station both have excellent food halls and train bento selections.
Use:
- Suica
- Google Maps
No additional tickets are generally needed.
Simply tap in and out using your Suica card.
Hakone uses a combination of:
- Trains
- Ropeways
- Buses
- Sightseeing boats
You have a Hakone Freepass and many of these transportation methods are included.
Follow the transportation instructions provided in your itinerary.
Kyoto is best explored using:
- Trains
- Subway
- Occasional taxis
Google Maps will recommend the fastest route.
Taxis are clean, safe, and reliable if you prefer to minimize walking.
Download before departure:
- Google Maps
- Google Translate
- Apple Wallet (Suica)
These three tools will cover nearly everything you need throughout your trip.
Do not worry if Japanese transportation seems intimidating at first.
Millions of visitors use it every year, and after your first train ride, it quickly becomes one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to travel around Japan.
If both have iPhones, I would strongly recommend you set up Suica before leaving the airport. That single step will eliminate 90% of the transportation stress for the entire trip.